Are you wondering how to Get Cats And Dogs To Get Along? The rivalry between cats and dogs is infamous. Movies and animated movies have been made to depict cats and dogs picking a bone with each other. But in reality, they can become buddies if they are introduced properly. Then you may wonder, how to get cats and dogs to get along?
Some are very accepting of other animals, such as cats. Still, some can become aggressive if they see a feline invading their space. Dog breeds also determine how your dog will get along with cats. Some dogs have the right temperament and age to live with cats.
Why Cats and Dogs Don’t Along?
Dogs and cats belong to different species, and their general behavior is antonymous to each other. They are very playful and energetic, while cats are reserved and need their space. Dogs have a certain predatory drive, and cats tend to be more fearful.
However, they do get along, and in cases they don’t, we have to look at the individuality of the matter.
Are you afraid of adopting a cat with a dog in your home? Are you worried that they will be at each other’s throats all the time? Here are some tips and tricks to help your cats and dogs to get along.
9 Tips To Help Your Cat and Dog To Get Along
1. Your Dog’s Personality Matters
A breed’s adaptability around other sites is listed on sites like American Kennel Club, but that is just general information about the breed. Every dog is unique in its own way, so you have to give preference to the dog’s personality over the breed.
As a dog owner, you know better than anyone how your pooch behaves around other animals. Energy levels and aggression also matter. Generally, small or toy dog breeds have higher energy levels, but in the end, it comes down to how your dog behaves. If you are adopting from a shelter, it will be better to inquire if the dog has previously lived with other pets.
2. Take It Slow and Steady
You might be tempted and excited to introduce your dog to your cat or vice versa right away, but you need to give them both space and time to adapt to their environment. Your energetic dog might get excited to chase the kittens, but you should wait around 3-4 days to introduce them to each other. This way, they will get used to the scent and be less excited or afraid when you finally decide to introduce them.
Rub a piece of cloth or towel on your dog and place it near the food bowl so your cat can get acquainted with the smell. We prefer that you keep them in separate rooms during this separation period of 3-4 days so you won’t have any unpleasant incidents.
3. Safe Spots
Dogs are born to chase, so if it chases and scares your cat, then you can make some safe spots for your cat to run and hide. These safe spots can be high platforms where the dog cannot reach. Dogs and cats are territorial animals, so you need to pick different feeding and littering spots for each one of them.
4. Train Your Dog
Your dog needs to have basic training before making it live with a cat. Dogs have a very strong predator that is extinct. They were bred to chase rabbits or spring birds into the air. Cats are comparatively well-behaved. Your dog must realize that chasing cats is not appropriate.
You should be able to bring your dog under control by teaching him simple commands like ‘sit’, ‘stand’ or ‘come’. You will be able to understand your dog better during obedience training. Your dog will learn to be loyal and develop a stronger dog-human bond.
5. Exercise Is Key
Dogs are very energetic animals. The importance of exercise is often taken for granted by dog owners. Apart from keeping your dog healthy, exercise is a great way to release excess energy in your dogs. Dogs chase cats when they get bored, so a daily walk to the park or a game of fetch with your dog will make a world of difference in your dog’s behavior with your cat.
You can always trust a dog walker to do the job if you can’t take your dog out for a walk for any reason.
6. Don’t Make Your Pet Feel Left Out
Dogs and cats can sense if you are giving attention to other pets. Domesticated and pet animals can get jealous of other animals so you need to show equal love to every pet in your household, no matter who is your favorite.
7. A Helping Hand
It might be difficult for you to control both the dog and the cat at the same time if things get out of hand. Ask a family member or a friend to join you and hold the cat or the dog for you. Slowly introduce the cat and the dog while keeping the distance. Remember that they should have no physical contact with each other in the first few days.
8. Plan Ahead
You need to plan ahead regarding how you want your cat and dog to interact with each other. One way is to feed them on each side of the room so they can get familiar with each other’s scent.
You can also do the same by using a crate to separate to avoid any physical contact. Avoid introducing them in an open area because there is the danger of them running towards the open door or your cat can get stuck on a tree. For the first few days of introduction, put your dog on a leash in a room and let your cat room because they are less aggressive.
Notice your dog’s behavior. I start to growl or make a noise then you should exit the room with the dog.
9. Raise A Kitten and A Puppy Together- If You Can
Puppies in their development stages can adapt really well to living around other cats. Try to raise a puppy and cat together so they get along from a very young age. It will make it a thousand times easier for you as a pet owner.
Conclusion
Owning a cat and a dog at the same time is a unique and wholesome experience. You get to experience the warmth and companionship of these fluffy pets. We hope that our detailed guide on how to make a dog and a cat get along will help.